California Officials Warn Consumers About Recalled Organic Eggs
California health officials are warning consumers not to eat certain Happy Hens organic eggs after investigators linked the products to an ongoing salmonella outbreak. As of September 8, 23 California residents had become ill and seven had been hospitalized. No deaths had been reported.
The California Department of Public Health said interviews with patients identified eggs produced at the company’s farm in Ramona as the likely source. Happy Hens voluntarily recalled the affected products on September 8. Officials cautioned that additional illnesses could be identified because the investigation remains active.
The recall covers all grades and sizes of Happy Hens organic in-shell eggs carrying handler code CA-0677. Affected cartons include Lot 223 with a September 10 sell-by date, Lot 226 with a September 13 date, and Lot 237 with a September 24 date.
The recall applies only to the listed handler code, lots and sell-by dates, making package labels important for consumers checking whether eggs are covered by the official warning.
The eggs were packaged in one-dozen and 18-count cartons, 20- and 30-count flats, and 15-dozen food-service cases. They were distributed to grocery stores, restaurants and farmers markets across Southern California and the Central Coast. Products were also sold directly from the Ramona farm.
CDPH advised consumers to discard recalled eggs or return them to the place of purchase for a refund. Anyone who develops symptoms of salmonella infection within seven days of eating the eggs should contact a healthcare provider.
Health officials said most people recover without medical treatment, although severe cases can require treatment or hospitalization. Children younger than 5, adults aged 65 and older, and people with weakened immune systems face a greater risk of serious illness. The agency did not report a response from Happy Hens; the news outlet said it had contacted the company for comment.